Lord Janner to Face Trial Following U-Turn

Lord Janner will face prosecution over allegations of sexual abuse following a U-turn from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The news comes despite a previous announcement from the CPS in April that he would not be charged due to the peer’s severe dementia, however, this has been overturned following a review from an independent QC and much public backlash.

The allegations relate to 22 cases of historical sexual abuse against at least nine children from the 1960s to the 1980s. Although the allegations have been denied by Lord Janner with his family stating he is “entirely innocent”, his case will be heard by Westminster Magistrates Court on the 7th August.

Decision Reversed

Due to the Labour peer’s illness many have accepted that the decision of the CPS was exceptionally difficult. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Alison Saunders is the first DPP to ever have a major prosecuting decision overturned.  Her initial decision that Lord Janner was not fit to stand due to his condition was overturned as it is in the public interest. Speaking to the BBC she said: "I have always said that in my view this was an extremely difficult and borderline case because of the strong arguments on both sides. I have also always emphasised my concern for the complainants in this case.

"I understood their need to be heard, which is why I contacted Justice Goddard to ensure that they could give evidence as part of the public inquiry. However, the review has concluded that this forum, albeit a public one, cannot substitute for the adjudication of the courts.

"I accept the outcome of the review and will now be bringing this prosecution to allow for that adjudication to happen."